Newspaper Article Discussion 02

“Chinese couple asks govt for compensation over son's death”
The Yomiuri Shimbun Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008


Written Summary:
According to this article, a Chinese student, Shi Xiaoning, 26, was attacked by a man at a restaurant in Osaka's Minami entertainment district in March and died later at his home. The man was sentenced to six years in prison for injury resulting in death, but he has appealed his sentence to a higher court. His parents are seeking compensation from the central government that is only available to residents of Japan or Japanese nationals. They still owe 1.8 million yen for Shi's education. Although their supporters have consulted the Osaka prefectural police over the possibility of the parents receiving the benefit, they were told it would be impossible. The benefit, which varies from about 3.2 million yen to 29.64 million yen, is calculated based on the income of the victim and the financial situation of the bereaved family.

Opinion Statement:
I think the benefit should be paid for Shi’s family. The sorrow of losing a son is no different for Chinese or Japanese.

Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think about studying at a university in other countries?
2. Do you have any countries where you want or don’t want to study as a university student?
3. If you were the bereaved family, what would you do?

New Words:
･compensation: 賠償金
･district: 地域,街
･resident: 居住者,在住者
･consult: 意見を求める
･bereaved: 先立たれた